GREEN ISLAND FESTIVAL DROPS FIRST WAVE LINE-UP FOR 2026

Manchester’s Green Island Festival has announced the first wave of artists for its 2026 edition, returning to Hulme Community Garden Centre and NIAMOS across three summer dates: 6 June, 25 July and 5 September.

Now entering its sixth year, the community-rooted festival will once again unfold in its signature three-chapter format, running from 12pm–9:30pm on each date. Tickets are available now from £26.25, with group tickets on offer and free entry for children aged 13 and under.

Following a run of sold-out shows in 2025, Green Island Festival continues its commitment to community-first experiences, accessibility, inclusivity and anti-algorithm programming — championing grassroots music culture in the heart of Hulme.

Set across the lush grounds of Hulme Community Garden Centre and the cultural institution NIAMOS, the festival weaves through an abundance of greenery across Warwick Street and the community centre. Using nature as its stage, audiences can explore five distinct stages, each offering a unique sound and atmosphere.

The first wave of artists announced includes 808 State, A Guy Called Gerald, BCUC, Blue Lab Beats, DJ Paulette, JayaHadADream, Raz & Alfa and Ruf Dug, with many more still to come. In true Green Island style, the 2026 line-up spans global sounds and artists deeply rooted in grassroots scenes.

This year’s Street Stage will pay special homage to Manchester’s electronic music legacy. Taking over Warwick Street, the block party will host pioneers DJ Paulette (June), 808 State (July) and A Guy Called Gerald (September) — artists celebrated for shaping UK rave culture and Manchester’s electronic sound.

The NIAMOS Stage continues its tradition of hosting internationally recognised and forward-thinking artists. June sees Grammy Award–winning duo Blue Lab Beats, whose genre-blurring sound fuses jazz, hip-hop, soul, electronic and Afro-influenced music.

In July, acclaimed South African band BCUC (Bantu Continua Uhuru Consciousness) return to the festival, three years on from a standout debut performance. Known for their powerful, immersive live shows, their fusion of punk, funk, indigenous rhythms and political messaging is set to leave its mark once again.

September welcomes JayaHadADream, one of the UK’s most exciting emerging talents, following her 2025 DJ Mag Award win for Breakthrough Vocalist. She will be joined by genre-crossing duo Raz & Alfa, whose contemporary electronic sound bridges club culture and live performance.

The Bandstand Stage spotlights Manchester-based collectives and curators. June sees Ruf Dug return with his annual Ruf Kutz takeover. July brings a collaborative takeover from ROJAK MCR x Dance Policy, blending club culture with cultural commentary. September closes with Freedom Masses Soundsystem, Manchester’s original dub soundsystem, drawing on over 40 years in the scene.

The Selector Stage showcases top-tier selectors across all three dates, including Léna C, Supernature Disco x Out Since Friday, and SIT & BUN vs HIT & RUN. Meanwhile, the Marquee Stage remains dedicated to emerging live acts, featuring artists such as Moli, Zawedde, Anna Lynch, The Thiara Collective, Bossa Dos Patos, Midnight Matters and Flat Moon, spanning soul, jazz, R&B, neo-soul, funk and punk.

New for 2026 is a dedicated family area, curated by children’s arts centre Z-arts. The Imaginarium will offer a daytime programme of nature-inspired creative activities, including drop-in art workshops, storytelling and playful outdoor adventures — making the festival more accessible for families.

With wave two of the line-up still to come, Green Island Festival 2026 promises another carefully curated celebration of music, community and culture — handpicked, intentional and proudly anti-algorithm.

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